We Need to Talk about Death - by Sarah Chavez & Neon Squid (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

An educational book that helps grieving children understand what happens when we die, and celebrates the traditions people around the world use to honor the dead.

Death is an important part of life, and yet it is one of the hardest things to talk about--for adults as well as children. Historian and museum curator Sarah Chavez is determined to create a book that sparks wonder and curiosity about dying, instead of fear and shame.

In this informative book, illustrated by Annika Le Large, children will marvel at the flowers different cultures use to represent death. They will find out about eco-friendly burials, learn how to wrap a mummy, and go beneath the streets of Paris to witness skull-lined catacombs! Readers will also ride a buffalo alongside Yama, the Hindu god of death, come face-to-face with the terracotta army a Chinese emperor built to escort him to the afterlife, and party in the streets to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico.

Through these examples Sarah Chavez showcases the amazing ways humans have always revered those who have died. Full of practical tips, this book won't stop the pain of losing a loved one or a pet, but it may give young readers ideas for different ways they can celebrate those who have passed away, and help begin the healing process.

Review Quotes

"Chavez opens with soothing remarks about how death is a part of life [and] touches on a series of helpful, informative topics. Likely to help normalize a universal experience." --Kirkus

"This little book's chatty warmth and calm, demystifying approach belies its intimidating title; written by one of the founders of the Death Positive movement, it covers what death is, what happens to dead bodies, the different ways in which people process grief, and global rituals of remembrance. A 7+ school-library essential." --The Guardian

"A good choice for introducing young people to topics of death and grieving." --Children's Literature

"This really is an important book that opens up a space to talk about something that is often consigned to silence - the intimate relationship between life and death, between loving and grieving, and between celebrating and commemorating. A book to be read alone or with loved ones, to start conversations that should be at the heart of everyday life." --Children's Books Ireland

About the Author

Sarah Chavez is a historian, museum curator, and podcaster who has also worked on the popular YouTube series Ask a Mortician. She is one of the founders of the Death Positive movement, which wants to encourage a more open conversation about death. As the executive director of the "Order of the Good Death," a founding member of "The Collective for Radical Death Studies", and co-founder of feminist site "Death & the Maiden," Sarah's multifaceted approach to observing and honoring this process is unparalleled; her work weaves together the relationship between death and food, rituals, culture, and society, which she also shares on her blog "Nourishing Death."

Annika Le Large is an illustrator based in Leipzig, Germany. Her artworks are often related to social issues or concepts of self-love. Annika previously illustrated We Need to Talk About Vaginas for Neon Squid.